Autumn Drive

Saturday, my dad and I took a drive up north to see some fall leaves changing color. It was a lot of fun. We explored Payson, AZ, and found a great park. We had lunch at Christopher Creek, and also explored many off the road areas. Through this adventure we discovered Woods Creek Lake, hunted for pine gum sap, heard fun stories, went down memory lane, breathed in beautiful views, and experienced amazing peace.

We may try to go up again in a few weeks to see if we can find more changing of the colors though... perhaps when the weather begins to cool down more :)

Autumn Equinox

Last Tuesday, September 22nd, a friend of mine threw an "Autumnal Equinox" party to celebrate the arrival of Fall. It was a lot of fun, and a great reminder that Fall was finally here (especially when you live in Arizona).

At the party, someone came with many instruments, allowing us to have an amazing drum circle experience. I was in heaven... we explored, talked and played in the Arizona desert. The sky and the weather were absolutely perfect. We were also far enough away from the city to allow us to really watch the stars. Through this, I am really excited for Autumn to finally be here... although we have still been experiencing triple digit weather...

Sunset at the beginning of the party. This is a view from where my friend lives.

The group exploring instruments, and creating a "groove" with one another.

There were a few instruments there that I had not seen before. It was fun to play with new sounds.

Blue Lake Ridge

Something's missing here? Can you see it? Can you see me... no.... it's because I couldn't make it to the reunion :( Life events happened the day we were to travel to Colorado, and I wasn't able to make it to the tri-year family reunion.

I realized though that I REALLY needed to get away and have a break. So the Sharp's and I went camping. My sister located a great spot just north of Strawberry, Arizona (2.5 hours north). We found a great location, and it allowed us to be in a secluded spot. We visited Blue Lake Ridge on Saturday and had a blast in the cooler water and weather. In honor of this celebration break, I created a video of events that took place that weekend.

Radiating light

My niece just recently moved to the other side of the USA this week. I am going to miss her terribly. Especially since she was finally starting to get to know me better, and we could play with each other more. I have been learning a lot recently regarding how, even the smallest things we do or feel will affect others in this world. Working with kids are teaching me some of these basic principles. I also realize that one person can make an impact on this world more than we realize. A quote that I have liked and have been thinking about recently is:

"The effects of your words and acts is tremendous in this world. Every moment of life you are changing to a degree the life of the whole world. Every man has an atmosphere or a radiation that is affecting every person in the world. You cannot escape it. Into the hands of every individual is given a marvelous power for good or evil. It is simply the constant radiation of what a man really is. Every man by his merit living is radiating a state of radiation. To exist is to be the radiations of our feelings, natures, doubts, schemes, or to be the recipient of those things from somebody else. You cannot escape it. Man cannot escape for one moment the radiation of his character. You will select the qualities that you will permit to be radiated."

President David O. McKay, General Conference Report, Oct 1969, 87

Microwave Cooking

These past few months have been incredible as I am learning more about myself and my health. I feel like my health has been greatly improving and becoming stronger each day through small (and big) changes I have been making. One thing that I have learned is how I don't do well with the microwave. A few months ago, I had several friends talk to me about the microwave and it's effects on them. I decided to do my own experiment with this. I didn't use the microwave for a week. When I started to use it again, I couldn't believe the difference I felt. When I started to use the microwave without using it, I was amazed at how I noticed more that I didn't feel quite as right after I ate. I also noticed that I didn't need to take as many digestive enzyme pills when I didn't use the microwave before eating. I have been learning how the microwave get's so hot, that it will change the protein molecules in the food, and kill a lot of the digestive enzymes that our foods natural have. This may be one reason they recommend you don't microwave baby bottles. But I just wanted to pass on this bit of information I have learned for myself, in case anyone else may be having a hard time with food or digestion. Plus I have noticed that although it may take 5 minutes more to cook... the food tastes much better...

Spot the Car

I feel like I have been busy this summer with trips, events, and work. I love traveling and seeing new (and old sites). I have great memories with traveling with my family to various places (remember the sock and windshield wiper... or playing GHOST). I am currently planning on going on another road trip this week to Denver, CO for a family reunion. As I get ready for this drive, I keep thinking of games that are played in the car and wanted to share a clip from a well known (and quoted) movie... let the drive begin....

Family Dinners

This summer, it feels like we have been getting together more frequently as a family for dinners and celebrations. This has been a lot of fun, as I have been able to see more of my nephews and nieces that I am not able to see as often. This past celebration we had on July 4th. It was also a farewell dinner for my brother, Steven and his family as they are moving to Michigan for work. My mom commemorated the event with a "Michigan" dinner... pasties and Boston Coolers (Vernor's and ice cream), and Blueberry cake. I couldn't refuse the food, as I rarely get these, and they are some of my favorites. Unfortunately I was also reminded that I can't eat these foods afterwards.... but it was sooooo worth it :)My mom with the infamous "Aunt Ginny's Blueberry" cake... it was sooooo good!

Steven preparing to make his "Boston Cooler"His Uncle Don was able to get him to laugh so hard that daySeveral people took advantage of the day off... and slept....Last family picture pose.... until October :)